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Things to Know About Moving to Colorado

These days, people from all over the country are flocking to Colorado. For various reasons, Colorado has unsurprisingly been named one of the best states to live. The outdoor activities are legendary, and the political and social environments are leading the pack, but what are the real facts about moving to the Centennial State? For one, Denver is quickly becoming a well-known tech hub and a great place to live for young professionals, plus there are a number of neighborhoods catering to the singles lifestyle. If you’re looking to make a move to the state in the near future, there are a number of things you need to know about moving to Colorado.

things to know about living in colorado

When in doubt, always seek advice from a Colorado native. They’ll put things into perspective and give you some great advice about your move to this wonderful state. We’ve compiled a list of the most common topics that are discussed between natives and newcomers.

The Weather is Fantastic

Quick Facts:

  • Average high temperature (statewide) 65°F
  • Average low temperature (statewide) 36.4°F
  • Snowfall varies dependent on location
  • Average rain precipitation (statewide) 14.3 inches

Hollywood has tried to convince you that Colorado constantly has a few feet of snow on the ground, but that’s not the case. The weather varies depending on whether you’re in the mountains, on the Front Range, or on the plains, but it’s generally quite pleasant.

Humidity is almost non-existent, and the mountains cause fast-changing weather patterns, so you don’t have to put up with anything for too long. Plus, some of the cities on the Front Range boast more than 300 days of sunshine per year. In fact, many newcomers from the mid-west and Minnesota claim that snowfall in Colorado is mild given that it’s usually paired with bright sunny days.

colorado close proximity to mountains

The Mountains Are Your Backyard Adventure

One problem with living in Colorado is that the mountains are almost too amazing. After spending some time in their shadows, you’re going to struggle to find the motivation to move anywhere else. Usually, the commute to the mountains is not a far drive. Dependent on where you’re located, you can find a mountain getaway or hiking spot within an hour. Metro Denver also boasts close proximity to the Front Range Rockies. It’s only a 30-minute commute to beautiful Golden, Colorado where you can enjoy numerous outdoor adventures, including:

  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Rock Climbing
  • Trail Running
  • Biking

It’s also not news that Colorado is a favorite destination for tourists during the winter season. The Centennial state has a whopping 26 ski resorts sprinkled throughout, many of which are legendary like Vail Resort and Breckenridge. Luckily, when you live in Colorado it’s easy to access some of the best ski resorts in the country and if you’re a snowboarding or skiing enthusiast this could be a top-selling point for taking up residency here. But, those adventures are just part of your daily routine if you live in Colorado.

The Altitude Can Be Tough

Additional things to know about moving to Colorado is the altitude. Before you strap on some boots and head out for a day of hiking, keep in mind that the higher elevations in Colorado cause some challenges for people used to live at lower altitudes. There’s less oxygen in the air, so that makes it harder for your body to function. You’ll get tired faster, and you might have some other issues such as headaches and nausea. Plus, the sun is stronger, so wear sunscreen!

The good news is that your body will eventually get used to it, and you’ll be like a superhuman when you’re breathing all the oxygen at sea level.

best activities in colorado

Healthy and Active Population

Colorado is one of the healthiest states in the U.S. 

Speaking of how strong you’ll get, Colorado has a huge population of healthy people. In fact, Colorado has been named one of the healthiest states in the nation. It has the lowest population of obesity and overweight adults. Most residents love the state because of its outdoor beauty, and they often spend their free time exploring it. Those who live in other areas of the country have to pay high fees to join fancy gyms, but Coloradans just step outside.

Craft Beer is a Reality

There are hundreds of breweries across the Centennial state. 

Another thing to know about moving to Colorado is beer. Craft beer is growing all around the country, but Colorado is really one of the centers of the movement. There is an endless number of brew houses pumping out all types of beer, so you can get everything from simple to experimental styles. So far, there are an estimated 400 plus microbreweries sprinkled throughout the state. Many locals adore this aspect of living in the Centennial State.

If that’s not enough, Denver adds to it by hosting the Great American Beer Festival every year, and that’s a must-visit event for any beer lover.

top reasons to move to colorado

The Population is Diverse

The largest city in Colorado, Denver, is home to a variety of cultures, religions, backgrounds, and more. This eclectic mix of people makes for a diverse atmosphere through events, art, and more. 

One of the results of all of these awesome bits of life in Colorado is that the state attracts a lot of newcomers. This is great because it keeps becoming more diverse, and that helps it stay on the track of continuous improvement. Denver has become a major cultural hub and is one of the most popular cities around because of it. People from all over the United States have been moving to Denver in such large numbers that it’s almost more common to meet a transplant in the capital city than someone who actually grew up in Colorado.

Public Transportation is a Breeze

More things to know about moving to Colorado — its fantastic public transportation systems!

Don’t have a car? Trying to avoid traffic? Not a problem! Colorado — and Denver in particular — is known for having fantastic public transportation. Denver’s public transportation network, RTD, is easy to learn and quite inexpensive compared to public transportation in other major cities. You can get from Union Station downtown to Denver International Airport in just 40 minutes on the light rail. Plus, there are plenty of bus options if you want to get between major towns and cities or even out to one of Colorado’s many famous ski resorts.

All during ski season, Denverites flock to Winter Park Resort aboard the “ski train” — the two-hour Winter Park Express route that drops skiers and boarders off right at the base of the mountain for a weekend of snow sports and après ski activities.

Person Skiing Down Mountain in Colorado

DIA is Super Convenient

Need to get away from Colorado? That part is easy. Denver International Airport makes it convenient for residents to escape the mountains and head for a beach, or to international waters. 

Next, while not conventional the airport is something to celebrate in the metro Denver area. If you like to travel, Colorado is an ideal place. Not only is the state in a pretty central location in the country, but DIA is a nice airport with flights all over the planet. Plus, the main terminal looks like snowy mountains! Whether it’s commuting for work or taking vacations to either coast, Denver is a great airline hub.

The Climate is Dry

Another fact of life in Colorado is the dry climate. This has certain benefits, such as less mold and hot days don’t feel as uncomfortable. However, the plants aren’t as lush, and things dry out quickly. Prepare to use moisturizers as it’s easy for your skin and lips to dry out very easily.

Big Cities and Small Towns

With over 100,000 square miles of area, Colorado is a big place. That means it comes with cities and towns of all different shapes and sizes. Denver is on par with major cities around the country and growing at a ferocious page. There are also secondary cities, such as Colorado Springs and Fort Collins, which have everything you need but are a bit less hectic than Colorado’s capitals.  If small towns surrounded by mountainous nature is what tickles your fancy, Colorado has no shortage of these either. Small towns like Fraser, CO which are in close proximity to Denver and Winter Park Ski Resort, are also attracting huge numbers of people due to their beautiful locations and more laid back pace of life.

sports enthusiasts living in denver

Strong Sports Culture

With all the motivated fitness people living in a state, is it a surprise that there are a lot of professional sports teams? Denver has a team for the four major sports (Broncos, Rockies, Nuggets, and Avalanche), plus franchises from many less-mainstream leagues. The fan bases are friendly and respectable, but most are fiercely dedicated.

Come See for Yourself!

This is just a small taste of what it’s like to live here and some things to know about moving to Colorado. The feel of the state is constantly changing, but most agree that it’s always an improvement. Hope to see you soon!

If you are moving to Colorado and looking for a place to live, come check out our beautiful, modern apartments in Denver.

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